Author Archives: Science Media Centre
launch of consultation on ethics of organ, egg and sperm donation
This briefing launched a consultation run by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics on how to respond to the high demand for human organs and tissue for donations and research, and the ethics of how to encourage more people to donate bodily materials such as organs, eggs and sperm. read more
further reaction to Icelandic volcano
Experts comment on the science of flight safety and volcanology, and provide answers to questions from Channel 4 News viewers. read more
how can we avoid a global water crisis?
An alliance including the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) has conducted an enquiry into the factors propelling us toward a global water crisis, and how engineering can help to avoid it. The resulting report, Global Water Security, looks at the various responses already being applied around the world as well as making recommendations for new approaches, both globally and UK-specific. read more
expert reaction to volcanic ash from Iceland
Further expert reaction to various aspects of the Icelandic volcano and the effects of volcanic ash. read more
reaction to the British Chiropractic Association dropping its libel action against Simon Singh
Following Simon Singh’s victory in the latest round of his libel defence on 1 April, the British Chiropractic Association has announced that it is dropping its action against him. read more
expert reaction to volcanic eruption in Iceland
After several weeks of low level activity, the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull began spilling large amounts of ash into the atmosphere, which were then distributed over much of Europe, resulting in the grounding of flights throughout Europe due to safety concerns over the effect of volcanic ash on aircraft engines. read more
Lord Oxburgh report on UEA
This briefing presented the report of the Science Assessment Panel chaired by Lord Oxburgh following its assessment of the integrity of the research published by the Climatic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia. This was followed by the University of East Anglia’s response to the report. read more
mitochondrial DNA transfer paper in Nature
Researchers from Newcastle University have succeeded in using a DNA transfer technique to remove damaged mitochondria (the energy-generating components of cells), thereby preventing a class of diseases caused by damage to the DNA carried by mitochondria, which is different to that present in the nucleus of the cell. read more
expert reaction to the Oxburgh report on UEA Climatic Research Unit
The Science Assessment Panel chaired by Lord Oxburgh has issued the report of its assessment of the integrity of the research published by the Climatic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia. read more
expert reaction to research on preventing the transmission of mitochondrial mutations in human embryos, to be published in Nature
The research from Newcastle University used a DNA transfer technique to prevent mutations affecting the DNA of mitochondria (the energy-generating components of cells) from being passed on to the next generation, thereby providing a potential means of preventing the transmission of diseases that result from such mutations. read more
expert reaction to Qinghai earthquake
The magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Qinghai province in Western China, killing nearly 600 people and injuring thousands. read more
expert reaction to a suggested link between prostate cancer and risk of thromboembolism, to be published in Lancet Oncology
The Swedish study found a potential link between prostate cancer and an increased risk thromboembolism, particularly deep vein thrombosis and blood clots in the lungs and especially in men who are undergoing hormone treatment for cancer. read more
regenerating the brain
Although relatively little is known about the brain and the way it works, advancing technology is giving us vital clues about how we can begin to tackle brain damage. This briefing featured leading experts discussing topics including the use of stem cells to fill the cavities caused by stroke and inducing damaged neurones to regenerate. read more
reaction to a Lancet Neurology paper on trial of lithium for MND
The paper reports on a trial in the US which has failed to replicate the initial success of lithium as a treatment for motor neurone disease. read more
comments on Simon Singh winning the latest round of his libel case
Simon Singh has won the latest round of his libel case against the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), which began around two years ago when he was sued by the BCA for comments he made about the evidence basis for chiropractic treatments. read more
expert reaction to new research into chemical exposure and breast cancer, as published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine (a BMJ specialist journal)
The research looked at exposure to chemicals and pollutants in the workplace and the potential link to women’s risk of developing breast cancer after the menopause. read more
publication of Science & Technology Committee report on CRU
The SMC hosted the House of Commons Science & Technology Committee for this briefing to present the report of its inquiry into the University of East Anglia’s Climate Research Unit, following on from the leaking of emails from UEA servers last November. read more
launch of CryoSat-2
The European Space Agency’s CryoSat-2 mission is designed to accurately measure the shape and thickness of Arctic and Antarctic ice and will allow scientists to assess how melting polar ice affects ocean circulation patterns, sea level and global climate. Key scientists involved with the mission came to the SMC to talk about its key aims ahead of the launch. read more
adapting institutions to climate change
This briefing was run in collaboration with the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution to launch its latest report on how UK institutions should adapt to climate change and initiate action to build adaptive capacity. read more
vitamin D
The subject of vitamin D is a controversial one that has been clouded with loud voices concerned with the health impacts from not getting enough, versus a strong message against excessive exposure to sunlight. The SMC amassed some key experts to discuss what impact vitamin D has on the immune system, asthma, type 2 diabetes, tuberculosis and what the latest epidemiological studies show on who’s getting enough and who isn’t. read more